Upscale glamping options near Potomac, Maryland complement traditional tent and RV camping in the surrounding region. Most campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Potomac operate seasonally from April through October due to the Mid-Atlantic climate. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and less rainfall.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park sits adjacent to Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA, offering direct access to Civil War landmarks. "Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door," notes a camper.
River activities: Access the Potomac River directly from Brunswick Family Campground for kayaking, fishing or tubing. A visitor explains, "The Shanandoah River parallels the campground. The river is beautifully clean clear and cool," making it ideal for water recreation during summer months.
Disc golf courses: Several parks feature 18-hole courses including Bull Run Regional Park. "The park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds," mentions one reviewer who appreciates the variety of outdoor activities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Little Bennett Campground receives praise for its layout and spacing. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," reports one camper, noting the difference from more crowded options.
Convenient DC access: For visitors wanting to explore the capital, Cherry Hill Park provides practical transportation options. "The best park in the DC area! Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" shares an enthusiastic guest.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out at Bull Run Regional Park. "I'll go again just for the showers," writes one visitor. "They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
What you should know
Train noise: At Brunswick Family Campground, proximity to tracks affects some campers. "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night," warns one reviewer, suggesting noise-sensitive campers select sites furthest from the tracks.
Seasonal water activities: Pohick Bay Campground offers water recreation primarily from May through September. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," notes a visitor, while boating options range "from kayaks to motorboats."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Washington DC/Capitol KOA, one camper reported: "Camp site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods," suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks, especially for larger RVs.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Burke Lake Park offers extensive recreation beyond typical campground amenities. "BLP has a great lake for fishing and boat rentals, a paved path to walk around the lake (about 5 miles) and a fantastic playground. There is a carousel and a kiddy train, frisbee golf, a regular golf course," lists one satisfied family.
Beginner-friendly options: Bull Run Regional Park works well for first-time campers. "I like to take new families that have not camped before to this campsite, its close to home and if anyone decides to bail out there is a hotel 5 min away," suggests an experienced camper.
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events for children. At Harpers Ferry KOA, a visitor shares, "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Brunswick Family Campground, location within the loops matters significantly. "Sites on the ends are by far larger than the center," advises one RVer who recommends requesting specific sites when making reservations.
Full-hookup considerations: Little Bennett Campground's D Loop specifically accommodates RVs with comprehensive services. "D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only. AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy."
Advance planning: For Cherry Hill Park, summer weekends require early booking. "The park also offer cabin rentals if you don't want to camp," notes a reviewer, pointing out alternatives for those visiting without camping equipment.
